International Women’s Day Spotlight on Some of Our Favorite Characters From the ‘Star Wars’ Universe
To celebrate International Women’s Day, our writers Rosalie Lambert and Alexander Giles picked their favorite female Star Wars characters.
Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman)
As Queen and later Senator of Naboo, Padmé Amidala always was dutifully involved in politics and leadership in the Senate, and consistently advocated for her people. Skilled with a blaster, she also fought for the Republic during the Clone Wars and was outspoken against oppression in the political arena.
Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher)
Leia Organa was a leader of the Rebel Alliance and later led the Resistance. She was skilled in espionage and combat. Our first on-screen Star Wars heroine, she evolved from a powerful force in the dissolving Senate to an intelligent and courageous war hero actively fighting against the Galactic Empire and the First Order.
Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein/Rosario Dawson)
Ahsoka Tano was a stubborn and fearless Jedi Padawan who rose to prominence as a Commander during the Clone Wars, playing a key role in many of its battles. Known for her dedication to protecting others, she developed into one of the greatest Jedi as she continued to fight against the Empire and its remnants.
Rey Skywalker (Daisy Ridley)
Rey is the protagonist of the recent sequel trilogy. She is a scavenger from the planet Jakku who discovers the power of the Force while searching for her family. Rey is strong-willed and determined, and she uses her skills as a fighter and a pilot to help the Resistance stand against the First Order. By the end of the conflict, she represents the future of the Jedi.
Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones)
Jyn Erso was a skilled but cynical fighter who got on the wrong side of the Empire and was later recruited by the Rebellion. Radicalised to the cause, Jyn led her team to victory, securing the plans for the Death Star and giving her life to save the galaxy.
Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran)
Rose Tico is a kind-hearted hero of the Resistance who played an essential role in the war against the First Order. She is known for her strong morals and her love of the Resistance movement, which she dedicated her life to.
Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff)
Bo-Katan Kryze is a dedicated Mandalorian warrior who sought to embrace Mandalore’s martial history while leaving its most orthodox aspects behind. Proud and passionate about her culture, she devoted her life to reclaiming Mandalore and doing right by her people.
Hera Syndulla (Vanessa Marshall)
Hera Syndulla was a Rebellion leader and one of the greatest pilots in the galaxy. Responsible and strategic, she led the Phoenix rebel cell at the early stages of the Rebellion, and later fought in key battles that eventually brought down the Empire.
Sabine Wren (Tiya Sircar/Natasha Liu Bordizzo)
Sabine Wren was a Mandalorian leader and member of the Rebel Alliance. Her unique art inspired hope across the galaxy as a symbol of resistance, and she commanded great respect as a wielder of the Darksaber for a short time. She became an asset to the rebel cell Phoenix and played a key role in freeing Lothal from Imperial influence.
Iden Versio (Janina Gavankar)
Iden Versio was an Imperial pilot and Commander of the elite Inferno Squad before she defected to the Rebel Alliance towards the end of the war. Her highly refined skills in combat became essential to the ultimate collapse of the Empire following the Battle of Endor.
Nightsister Merrin (Tina Ivlev)
Nightsister Merrin was a powerful magick user from Dathomir. She joined the crew of the Mantis in their journeys against the might of the Empire after the terrible destruction of her people.
Keeve Trennis
Keeve Trennis was a quick-witted and determined Jedi Knight who served during the High Republic era. She was stationed in the Starlight Beacon space station, which was a symbol of prosperity in the lawless Outer Rim territories.
Mon Mothma (Caroline Blakiston/Genevieve O’Reilly)
Mon Mothma was the patient, strategic, and forthright leader of the Rebel Alliance. From fighting the Empire silently from within, to ultimately initiating outward military operations against its might, Mon Mothma guided the Rebels to victory and took on the role of the first Chief of State of the New Republic after the war.
There are so many more we could list here, and we’re so excited to see a focus on more female characters in the Star Wars universe. Keep an eye out for more Ahsoka, Bo-Katan, Sabine Wren, Mon Mothma, and (hopefully) Merrin in upcoming Star Wars projects! Happy International Women’s Day!
Rosalie Lambert is a law student from Australia with a deep love for Star Wars, fantasy, and epic stylistic storytelling. Growing up in the country, Rosalie has always loved nature and outdoor activities, and has a passion for human rights and social justice that she wants to work towards in her field of study.
Alexander has been a lifelong Star Wars fan having started watching with his elder brother in the early 80's through to watching The Phantom Menace with same brother in cinema as a 21 year old with beer.
His love for the franchise has never waned.
A published comic book writer and letterer but when not watching or reading Star Wars is usually hacking computers for work.
Follow on twitter @Muldwych
